USSD, SMS, WhatsApp and Call Center Set Up & Pricing in Eritrea.
Eritrea's telecommunication infrastructure is still developing, with mobile phone usage gradually increasing. As of recent estimates, there are around 3.7 million mobile phone users in the country, reflecting a growing reliance on mobile communication. Internet penetration remains low, with only about 1.3% of the population having access to the internet. This limited access is mainly due to the country’s controlled network environment and lack of widespread infrastructure. USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) services have gained some popularity, particularly for basic mobile transactions and services. Popular USSD codes in Eritrea include *123# for checking mobile balances and *124# for data bundle purchases. In terms of marketing, WhatsApp and SMS are not as widely used for business purposes due to limited internet penetration. Businesses that do use SMS marketing are typically local enterprises that cater to urban populations, where mobile usage is more concentrated.
In Eritrea, the telecommunications landscape offers various SMS services, each governed by Eritrea's specific regulations. Short codes, popular in Eritrea for services like mobile banking, require approval from Eritrea's national communications authority. Eritrea's businesses can use marketing SMS for promotions, but must adhere to Eritrea's registration and consent requirements. Transactional SMS in Eritrea face less stringent rules but must comply with Eritrea's data protection laws. Premium Rate Services SMS in Eritrea, which charge users for content, typically need a license from Eritrea's regulatory body and must follow Eritrea's pricing transparency guidelines.
WhatsApp's popularity in Eritrea stems from WhatsApp's data efficiency in areas with limited internet. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures secure communication for Eritrea's users. The WhatsApp API Cloud enables Eritrea's businesses to scale customer interactions, while WhatsApp's wide adoption makes it ideal for customer service. WhatsApp's compatibility with lower-end smartphones promotes digital inclusion across Eritrea. The WhatsApp API Cloud allows Eritrea's companies to implement chatbots and integrate systems, supporting business growth even in regions with unstable connections.
WhatsApp (Per 24hr Session)
WhatsApp Business platform employs a conversation-based pricing model, charging businesses for each conversation within a 24-hour period. Conversations are categorized as service, utility, authentication, or marketing, with varying prices based on the category and the customer's country code Learn more on WhatsApp billing.
USD
0.0225
WhatsApp (Setup)
A one time set up charge to to cover the initial technical configuration, custom development, and client onboarding process.
USD
49
USSD pricing in Eritrea
Eritrea leverages USSD technology for interactive, menu-driven services that operate without internet, crucial for Eritrea's digital inclusion efforts. In Eritrea, USSD facilitates mobile banking, public service delivery, and information access, serving both urban and rural populations through its compatibility with basic phones. Eritrea's telecom regulator oversees USSD short codes, ensuring fair access across mobile networks and adhering to Eritrea's specific numbering plan. Despite growing smartphone adoption, USSD remains vital in Eritrea for its universal accessibility, helping bridge the digital divide and spurring innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to healthcare.
Eritrea's voice service landscape is rapidly evolving, with call centers emerging as hubs for both local support and international outsourcing, capitalizing on Eritrea's multilingual workforce. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems in Eritrea are bridging literacy gaps, providing critical information in local dialects for health, agriculture, and government services. Eritrea's adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is reshaping business communication, though it faces regulatory challenges as Eritrea balances innovation with traditional telecom interests. As Eritrea leapfrogs legacy systems, voice technologies are enabling unique solutions like mobile money authorization via voice biometrics and community radio integration with IVR for wider information dissemination.
